oil leak

Post by **andrewsxt** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:03 pm

I`ve just changed the rocker cover gasket on my car { should never have touched it } and oil was pouring out

so back up to halfords for another gasket this time accompanied by gasket sealent but to no avail, oil still pouring out

HELP !!!!!!!

Andy

Post by **aupickup** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:33 pm

where have we heard that before, if it aint broke don`t fix it

make sure the gasket is all around in the proper place and do not overtighten the bolts

Post by **andrewsxt** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:52 pm

I`ve done exactly the opposite of your advice and tightened bolts as far as i can, oh well , good job gaskets are cheap.

Andy

Post by **Vernon** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 7:01 pm

If you have over tightened the bolts you may have distorted the cover. Check if the rim is level by placing it on a flat surface.

Post by **HarryMango** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:05 pm

The torque setting for Rocker coverbolts is 4lb/sqin - which is nothing. Iam a bit alarmed when you say "oil is pouring out" - is this from just one area? I also hate to think what Halfords charged you for a rocker cover gasket.

Rog

Post by **aupickup** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:08 pm

you may have a distorted rocker box.
you have to make sure the gasket does not fold out or in of the rocker box, i spray glue inside the gasket area and place the gasket and box on the head.
have not had a problem that way

Post by **Cam** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:17 pm

I do similar to aupickup, but I use Hylomar blue to 'glue' the gasket to the clean and degreased rocker cover flange and then more Hylomar blue to 'glue' it to the head (after degreasing the contact area).

Post by **andrewsxt** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:31 pm

Think i might have distorted the rocker cover as suggested as when i throw it away it does come back.
you would think oil would leak just from the raised long edges but it is coming out all round.
under 1.50 for a gasket.

Andy

Post by **andrewsxt** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:39 pm

Oil leak is now no more due to your unparallelled knowledge, and those of you that are attending the website rally will be able to actually meet the most stupid person in the world

Andy

Post by **Chris Morley** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:05 pm

Glad you're ok Andrew - dropping out of the rally is verboten!

I used a Halford's gasket last year (£1.34) and fitted it exactly the same way as Cam - it's still leak free!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 1:49 pm

If you glue the gasket to the cover it can be used over and over again.

Post by **Cam** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:19 pm

It's a good idea to 'glue' (with Hylomar) both sides of the gasket to ensure an oil tight seal and then replace it (they are only cheap) when you take the rocker cover off (should not be too often).

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 4:59 pm

and those of you that are attending the website rally will be able to actually meet the most stupid person in the world

I dont think that can be right Andy, as that description on mechanical ability is one of my branch members and he is not coming.

Post by **andrewsxt** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 5:38 pm

The tragic thing is Kevin i think it`s the onset of early senility, as i have just returned to the world of classic car ownership and diy maintainence after a decade or more away, and even though it all seems so familiar i can`t believe the stuff i have forgotten, i suppose some people would say it`s like riding a bike but i did actually buy myself a bike a few days ago { fitness regime, lose weight, doctors orders and all that } and i`m still a bit wobbley, so i hope it`s a matter of time before it all comes flooding back. { and i can get off the pavement }

Andy

Post by **Rasputin** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 6:35 pm

I didn`t think cyclists rode anywhere else other than on the pavement nowadays!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:51 pm

Don't glue it both sides ! There really is no need - the glue on the cover side is to stop the gasket extruding out from under the edges. It works.

Post by **Cam** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:19 am

What's the problem with doing both sides? It's not expensive, it takes seconds and it seals BETTER than just doing one side.

Doing one side works, but doing both works BETTER!